Can a used car purchased from another location be licensed locally?
2 Answers
Yes, a used car purchased from another location can be licensed locally. The difference between transferring and licensing a used car bought from another location and doing so locally lies in the handling of the vehicle's records. Similarly, after signing the relevant purchase documents on the same day, you need to go to the local used car transfer office of the seller to complete the transfer and record extraction procedures. Once the records are transferred to the buyer's local area, you can obtain a temporary license plate for the vehicle to travel back and forth. Generally, after three days, you can apply for a new license plate at the local vehicle management office. After confirming the purchase of the vehicle, complete the transaction at the used car trading market in the vehicle's location and obtain a nationally unified used car transaction invoice. At the same time, apply for the record extraction process at the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is located. During the record extraction process, you need to provide the new owner's identity proof. It's important to note that in some regions, the approval for record extraction may take several days, so it's advisable to consult the staff in advance. Additionally, the vehicle record folder usually specifies a deadline for registration. The owner must complete the relevant procedures within the stipulated time; otherwise, the record extraction will need to be redone if it expires. Also, apply for a temporary license plate during the record extraction process. It's important to note that after the vehicle transaction is completed, any remaining valid insurance on the vehicle needs to be transferred. Some insurance companies can handle this directly. Finally, return to your local area with the relevant documents and submit them to the local vehicle management office for review. Once approved, you can proceed with the vehicle inspection, license plate application, and obtain the vehicle registration certificate. Before purchasing a used car from another location, pay special attention to the vehicle's emission standards and consult the local vehicle management office in advance regarding the required emission standards for vehicle relocation. This is to avoid situations where the vehicle's emission standards do not meet the local requirements, making it impossible to register and license the vehicle locally after purchase.
I recently bought a used car in another city and successfully registered it locally. The whole process was actually quite smooth. The main steps were first completing the transfer procedures in the purchase city, obtaining temporary license plates, then driving back to the local DMV for vehicle inspection and registration. The costs might be a bit higher, like transfer fees and inspection fees totaling around 1,000-2,000 RMB, but overall it was much cheaper than buying locally. Make sure the emission standards meet local requirements to avoid failing the inspection. I recommend checking the policies of both locations in advance—I had a knowledgeable friend help me, which saved a lot of time. Buying a car from another city can indeed be registered, but allow an extra day or two for processing, and don’t rush to avoid safety risks.
